Players’ pantomime will be a family affair

TWO sisters are preparing for panto, having secured starring roles in Dick Whittington.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Dec 2014, 12:00 BST
Louise Yeo, left, as the Fairy of Bow Bells and her sister Nikki Winter, who plays Alice FitzwarrenLouise Yeo, left, as the Fairy of Bow Bells and her sister Nikki Winter, who plays Alice Fitzwarren
Louise Yeo, left, as the Fairy of Bow Bells and her sister Nikki Winter, who plays Alice Fitzwarren

Louise Yeo and Nikki Winter will both be appearing at The Barn Theatre in Southwick Players’ pantomime, and will be joined by their mother in the chorus.

The story follows Dick Whittington, an adventure-seeking lad who, with the help of magical cat Tommy, overcomes trials to become the Lord Mayor of London.

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Helping Dick in his fight against the evil and devious King Rat will be the Fairy of Bow Bells, played by Louise, of Old Shoreham Road, Southwick.

She said: “I have been a member of Southwick Players for 23 years and I was a founding member of our Youth Group, which I joined when I was 12 years old.

“Over the years, I have taken part in more than 50 shows.

“My favourite part of this show is the banter between myself and the villain of the piece – King Rat. I also love the fact that the Fairy speaks in rhyme and I get to interact with the audience.

“One of the best things about performing in panto is that the audience come along to have fun, laugh and join in – they thoroughly enjoy themselves.”

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Her sister, Nikki, however, is appearing in her first lead role with Southwick Players.

She was delighted to be cast as Alice Fitzwarren, a warm-hearted girl who falls head-over-heels in love with Dick Whittington. She is joined by theatre regular Frank Horsley, who plays her eccentric father.

Nikki, of Cumberland Avenue, Goring, said: “I was delighted to be cast as Alice and it’s wonderful to be appearing in the same show as my sister.

“Our mother Nina is also in the cast, playing several roles within the chorus, so it’s a real family affair.”

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Dick Whittington, a pantomime by John Morley, will be directed by Ron Common. Performances are from January 3 to 10 at The Barn Theatre, part of the Southwick Community Centre complex in Southwick Street, Southwick.

Evening performances all start at 7.30pm and there are matinée performances on January 3, 4 and 10 at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £8 to £13. Call The Barn Theatre box office on 01273 597094 or visit www.southwickplayers.org.uk to book online.

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